The Family Business: Former OU star Ryan Spangler
Well, we now know it’ll be at least nine years before OU basketball can make a Final Four. To the shock of many, the Sooners were not included in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Instead, head coach Porter Moser and company found out it was the First Team Out. Team No. 69 of a 68-team field.
But it is March Madness. And once OU fans take a little time to lick their wounds, they’ll be as all-in as anybody else in watching the Big Dance.
That includes the Family Business. Hosts Joe Castiglione Jr. and Isaac Stoops go the basketball route this time around with former OU star power forward Ryan Spangler.
From his days as a multi-sport star at Bridge Creek to his freshman year at Gonzaga and returning home to OU and helping the Sooners to that 2016 Final Four.
Spangler averaged 8.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in his college career. As a senior at OU, he posted averages of 10.2 points and nine rebounds.
Family Business – Ryan Spangler
*Spangler says how nice it feels to be appreciated more and more for all the little things, dirty work he did for OU during his days.
*Realized what his role could be under Lon Kruger. Rebounding, hustling, being a leader were the things he could do for the team.
*Admits he wasn’t ready, physically or maturity-wise, when at Gonzaga. He also grew a bunch by sitting out that one season at OU.
*Not a fan of constant transferring. Grad transfers, in some cases, have earned it. Showed the loyalty, deserve another shot. Loyalty? “I think that’s what is missing in our game now.”
*Still incredibly close with the Final Four team, some of his best friends are from that group. “I think the most important part was they were great basketball players but better men.”
*The greatest loss in OU history, maybe? Debatable, but Spangler gives his account of the 3OT classic at Kansas and Buddy Hield’s outing. Spangler on that night? Fourteen points and 18 rebounds. KU was his favorite road venue to play in. Hilton Coliseum (Iowa State) was the hardest to play in.
*Gives a lot of credit to Isaiah Cousins and his all-around skills. “But Buddy found his niche.”
*Likes Name, Image, Likeness. As you hear with a lot of former players, “wish I would have had it.”
*Would have went to OU in a heartbeat out of high school, but previous staff never spoke to him one time.
*Gives his thoughts about trying to play two sports in college. A football/basketball combo just isn’t really possible.
*Has thought about coaching but would like to do it at the college level.
*Lloyd Noble Center? “Couple of different answers in this. I’ve never cared where I played in. Never bothered me to play in the LNC.” Understand the need to be able to recruit, need the nicest facilities.
It’s the Family Business with Ryan Spangler.
